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If you are the resident geek in your family, you know that any event where your little one can dress up is a major win. During the month of March in Greenville, geeks, nerds and fans everywhere step out in their finest costumes in what is known as cosplay — dressing as a fictional character for fun and photos. Comic book conventions are events in which even the littlest geek can participate and are usually family friendly.

Here in the Upstate, we have SC Comicon March 24-25, where families of all shapes and sizes dress in their favorite character costumes and enter a realm of make believe at the TD Convention Center. Some of the best cosplayers are the families who include all the kids down to the tiny babies.

Borderlands Comics and Games owners Rob and Michele Young and cosplay expert Sybil Todd of White Knight Cosplay have seen countless costumes at the SC Comicon event and encourage families of even young children to come out and dress up. Todd herself involved her children at very young ages.

“Last year, I saw the most adorable baby dressed as Princess Leia from Star Wars,” she said. “Her famous hair buns were made as a crocheted hat. Some parents will incorporate the stroller into the cosplay in the most creative ways.”

For those not in the know, Todd says, “Cosplay is dressing up as a favorite character from a movie, book, video game or comic book. I have seen some of the cutest cosplays with toddlers and babies.”

Rob Young, who organized the first family friendly SC Comicon four years ago, pointedly includes events for little ones and children such as coloring contests and a costume contest category for the littles.

“Many of the vendors have merchandise geared towards younger con goers,” he said.

Todd keeps her costumes in a memory box, but only after reusing them for comic book events, home dress up and Halloween. By the time they go into storage or get sold, they have seen a number of uses.

Upstate mom Eva Mady of Greenville says she loves the bonding experience she sees between kids and parents, “especially when everyone is dressed as a character from the same fandom.”

Todd says her experience is that children love the event. For those parents worried about their child popping up on social media forums, it is considered proper etiquette to always ask before photographing people who dress up, especially young children.

“If you are uncomfortable having your child photographed, just let them know,” she said. “Most people are very respectful when it comes to pictures.”

Conventions also offer numerous photo opportunities for children to pose with his or her favorite superhero.

It is a walking event that can take some time to traverse, so plan accordingly and bring snacks for your littles. Create a costume that can breathe and allows mobility for younger children. Youngsters will be amazed at seeing all of their favorite heroes, villains and cartoon characters in one place.